HAPPY YEAR OF THE DOG! Below are photos of Buster (he's up for adoption, by the way!) and he will tell you why adopting a dog is always better than buying one.

1. When you buy a dog from a pet store, you're supporting cruel puppy mills. ​Buster can't believe you would ever do that. Not you.

"What if dogs, don't come from a store? What if adopting dogs means so much more?" (Photo from PETA)

​2. You can't buy love—but you can adopt it from a shelter or rescue group (and for a lot less money than buying a dog from a breeder or a pet store).

Buster, proud Aspin. The right breed for all (Philippine) seasons!

3. Most "preowned" dogs or those who are rescued from the streets are already housetrained.

"Can you please look away while I do No. 1?"

​4. What's up, doc, er, dog? Shelters and rescue groups only adopt out healthy animals, and vaccinations and spaying or neutering (kapon/ligation) are usually included.

I'm healthy and chill. -- Buster

​5. At an animal shelter, you can find a dog to fit your unique personality (even if you're a little nutty).

So, what game are we playing today?

6. You will be rewarded with looks like this and other expressions of gratitude for as long as you both shall live.

You and Me, furever!

​7. Thousands of dogs and cats enter animal shelters and pounds every year in the Philippines. And he's one of them.

Hello! I'm Buster. I would be happy to live with you!

8. Ahhhh, it feels great to know that you saved a life.

#Lifegoal -- Find a good human who will love me back.

What Are You Waiting For?If you've been thinking about adding an animal to your family—and you have enough time and money to care for a dog (or a cat)—please adopt one from a local animal shelter or rescue group. In the Year of the Dog, please pledge never to buy animals from pet stores or breeders.

Buster was rescued from the streets of Makati. He was found emaciated, sick, and confused, but he's now healthy, happy, and ready for a new home. He's been vaccinated and neutered and loves walks, other dogs, and playing fetch.

Jason Baker is vice president of international campaigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia. To get involved with PETA's work in the Philippines or if you're interested in adopting Buster or another animal, visit PETAAsiaPacific.com or e-mail us at Info@PETAAsiaPacific.com.

​SUPERSTAR singer Mariah Carey is due to receive the Angel for Animals Award from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for helping promote animal adoption and shed light on the responsibility of caring for them in the animated adaptation of her hit song "All I Want for Christmas Is You".

“Mariah Carey is PETA’s hero for homeless animals for encouraging families to adopt from their local shelter,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “Her holiday film reminds us all that caring for an animal is a responsibility, not just a fantasy — but the one sweet day when you meet the dog who will always be your baby and you know that you belong together.”

This year, Carey produced, narrated and provided the music for the animated film version of “All I Want for Christmas Is You”. It tells the story of a young girl and a homeless mutt who fulfills her Christmas wish. Animated “Mariah” and her puppy Jack (named for one of Carey’s beloved pets) struggle at first, but she eventually learns to treat her adopted fur baby with patience and understanding.

“Mariah Carey is PETA's angel for homeless animals for promoting animal adoption this holiday season,” says PETA Senior Cruelty Case Officer Jana Sevilla. "Every time someone buys a cat or a dog from a breeder or a pet shop, animals on the streets or in shelters lose their chance at finding a good home. We thank Mariah for encouraging people to open their hearts and homes to loving animals who are anxiously waiting at shelters for a new life.”